LATEST: Virat Kohli Jumps to Number 2 in Most ODI Runs Ever
Virat Kohli Surpasses Kumar Sangakkara to Become Second-Highest ODI Runs-Scorer in Sydney Thriller. Virat Kohli broke Kumar Sangakkara’s record for the second-highest run-scorer in One-Day Internationals (ODIs) during the third and final ODI of India’s tour of Australia in 2025, played at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG).
The match took place on Saturday, October 25, 2025.
In a record-breaking performance that also helped India secure a consolatory win, batting stalwart Virat Kohli surpassed Sri Lankan legend Kumar Sangakkara’s ODI run tally to become the second-highest run-scorer in the format’s history.4 The milestone was achieved during the third and final One-Day International against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground on October 25, 2025.
The Match and the Milestone:
Chasing a target of 237 set by Australia, who were bundled out for 236, India’s innings was anchored by a masterful, unbeaten partnership between Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.6 Kohli, who had suffered two consecutive ducks in the previous matches of the series, returned to form with a composed knock of 74 not out off 81 balls.
The moment he crossed the 54-run mark in his innings, Kohli went past Sangakkara’s career total of 14,234 runs. Kohli finished the day with 14,255 runs in his 305th ODI (293rd innings), securing the second spot on the all-time list.
Record Comparision
| Rank | Player | Team | Matches | Innings | Runs | Average | 100s |
| 1 | Sachin Tendulkar | India | 463 | 452 | 18,426 | 44.83 | 49 |
| 2 | Virat Kohli | India | 305* | 293* | 14,255* | 57.71* | 51 |
| 3 | Kumar Sangakkara | Sri Lanka | 404 | 380 | 14,234 | 41.98 | 25 |
(*Stats are up-to-date as of the match completion)
Kohli achieved this milestone in significantly fewer matches and innings than Sangakkara, further highlighting his incredible consistency and batting dominance in the 50-over format.
Other Records Tumbled:
During this innings, Kohli also achieved another significant milestone:
- He registered his 70th fifty-plus score in successful ODI run-chases, breaking Sachin Tendulkar’s long-standing record of 69 such scores. Known as the “Chasemaster,” this cemented his legacy as the most successful chaser in ODI history.
- He also equaled Sachin Tendulkar’s record for the most fifty-plus scores (24) against Australia in ODIs, achieving it in fewer innings.
The unbeaten 168-run partnership between Kohli and Rohit Sharma (who scored a magnificent 121*), guided India to a dominant nine-wicket victory, ensuring India finished the series on a high note. 17The day was marked by celebrations and loud cheers from the Sydney crowd, acknowledging one of cricket’s greatest modern-day batters.
The Elite ODI Runs List
The list of the highest run-scorers in Men’s ODIs is dominated by a select group of legends. Virat Kohli’s statistics place him in a unique and elite bracket:
| Rank | Player | Team | Matches | Innings | Runs | Average | 100s |
| 1 | Sachin Tendulkar | India | 463 | 452 | 18,426 | 44.83 | 49 |
| 2 | Virat Kohli | India | 305* | 293* | 14,255* | 57.71* | 51 |
| 3 | Kumar Sangakkara | Sri Lanka | 404 | 380 | 14,234 | 41.98 | 25 |
| 4 | Ricky Ponting | Australia | 375 | 365 | 13,704 | 42.03 | 30 |
| 5 | Sanath Jayasuriya | Sri Lanka | 445 | 433 | 13,430 | 32.36 | 28 |
*Statistics are approximate and based on latest available data from October 25, 2025, following a series against Australia.
Analysis of Kohli’s Achievement
Kohli’s ascent to the second spot is remarkable not just for the volume of runs, but also for his unparalleled consistency and speed in reaching the milestone:
Superior Average
Kohli is the only batsman among the top five all-time ODI run-scorers to maintain an average above 50 ($57.71$*), showcasing a level of sustained performance unmatched by his contemporaries and predecessors on this list. This high average highlights his ability to not only get starts but to convert them into significant scores.
Speed and Longevity
Kohli achieved the second-highest tally in significantly fewer innings (293*) than all other players in the top five. He surpassed Kumar Sangakkara’s total in 99 fewer matches (305* vs 404) and 87 fewer innings. This speed underscores his dominance in the modern era of the game.
Most ODI Centuries
Virat Kohli has also broken the record for the most centuries in ODI history, surpassing Sachin Tendulkar’s long-standing tally of 49. Kohli now holds 51 ODI centuries.
Other Recent Milestones
In addition to becoming the second-highest ODI run-scorer, Kohli recently achieved several other significant white-ball records:
- Highest Runs in Limited-Overs Internationals (ODIs + T20Is): Kohli surpassed Sachin Tendulkar’s combined total of runs in ODIs and T20Is to become the leading run-scorer in limited-overs international cricket with over 18,437 runs.
- Most 50-Plus Scores in ODI Chases: He holds the record for the most 50-plus scores in successful ODI run-chases (70), surpassing Sachin Tendulkar (69). This reinforces his reputation as the “Chase Master.”
- 6,000 Runs in Successful Chases: Kohli is also the first player to score over 6,000 runs in successful ODI run-chases, further defining his role as arguably the greatest ODI chaser in the history of the game.
